Author: Amy Stansbury

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Holiday Party Fashion

Let me just start off by saying, congratulations! Finals are over and you all made it out in one piece ( or at least I hope so). Now that all of your papers have been written and your tests have been taken it’s time to move on to bigger and better things, like cookies, presents, and holiday parties! That’s right, holiday parties are now in full swing and what better way to enjoy them than in an adorable Christmas inspired outfit? But don’t worry, I realize that cash is probably a little tight right now from all of the gift buying you have been doing, so I have some tips on how to look great without an expensive trip to the mall.

I found this Fashionista looking beautiful on the way to a holiday party of her very own. In order to incorporate a little Christmas spirit she is wearing a deep green high waisted skirt. She then pairs this up with a sweater and oversized scarf in order to stay cozy and cute.

Scarves like the one this Fashionista is wearing are the latest trend and can be found for only 7$ at H &M. That’s right ladies, I said it, 7$! And for sweaters, Old Navy is in constant supply. So this holiday season, remember, looking fabulous for Christmas doesn’t mean that you have to spend a lot of money… or buy a ridiculous looking elf hat.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: It’s Cold Outside

Okay, let’s just admit it. It’s freezing outside. In fact, it’s more than freezing. It’s the kind of cold that plasters a permanent scowl across your face and makes you want to sit inside all day watching nothing but Christmas movies. I know that it may be difficult, but Fashionistas, you need to resist the urge to lounge around in sweatpants for three long months of winter. There are just too many adorable winter coats and accessories for you to wear nothing but your five year old puffy snow jacket all the time. It’s time to get excited about the cold!

I found this Fashionista showing off her love of the season, despite all of the wind blowing her hair in her face. In the photograph she is wearing a knit cap with an eye- catching flower attached to the side. The flower really helps to turn a plain hat from average to glam! She then pairs the hat with a bright pink purse with a matching flower, which both ties her outfit together and adds some much needed color to her look. On her feet she is wearing wool knit boots which are a must have this season. Not only are they incredibly comfortable, but they can easily be worn with a pair of leggings and will set you apart from your classmates who wear nothing but UGGs from December to March.

So, what should you take away from this week’s post? Embrace the season and don’t be afraid to strut your stuff, even if it is hidden beneath seven layers of sweaters.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Too Stressed to Dress?

As finals loom right around the corner and you find yourself living in the library, I have a question to ask all of you. Are you too stressed to dress like the fabulous Fashionista that you are? Before you answer that question, let me warn you, I will NOT accept yes as an answer. Just because you have five tests to study for does not mean that it is okay to slump around in sweats with stains on them. Do not doubt yourself, it is possible to look fierce, even in the library. Haven’t you ever heard of dressing for success?

I found this Fashionista grabbing a bite to eat in between study sessions. Her outfit proves that it is possible to feel comfortable enough to curl up in a chair and read a textbook without looking like you haven’t bathed in a week. She is wearing a soft and cozy oversized sweater and a pair of loose fitting jeans. These jeans add an extra level of comfort, but by matching them up with a pair of converse, she is still making a fashion statement. This fashionista even decided to accessorize with comfort in mind, wearing both a scarf and a beanie. Beanies like the one she is wearing can be found at Urban Outfitters. For a wide selection of adorable sweaters, stop by Ralph Lauren where you are bound to find one that suits your unique style.

See, didn’t I tell you that you could still look amazing during finals?

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: A for A-Line

As I walked around campus this week, scouring for the latest fashion trends at Temple, I found myself obsessed with an old favorite, the skirt. In particular, the A-line skirt. Traditionally, these have fallen into the business suit category of dress wear, but now, all of that is changing. That’s right, A-line skirts are totally in style again! One of the fabulous things about them is that they are extremely versatile. They are long enough to wear to class without looking like you are on a walk of shame, but at the same time, they don’t look like something you borrowed from your grandmother. Plus, now that it is late fall, these skirts can easily be paired with leggings, boots, a light jacket, and a scarf or just with a plain T-shirt on those few warm days we have left.

I found today's Fashionista sporting an adorable navy blue A-line skirt on Liacourus Walk. It was a gorgeous day out so she paired the skirt up with nothing but a plain white shirt and a belt. A belt is another great way to make an otherwise average looking skirt really pop. Skirts such as these can be found at Modcloth.com and American Apparel. So whether you are headed to class or out on a hot date, be sure to wear an A-line skirt and I promise you, you will not be sorry. Trust me, these babies can do it all!
 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Oversized Sweaters

Every morning this week I have left the comfort of my warm and cozy apartment, only to be greeted by the sight of my own breath against the cold air. How lovely. Winter is definitely coming and with it, an entire host of pleasantries. Goosebumps covering your legs the exact second that you get out of the shower. Trudging to class with your hood tied tight around your head and an enormous frown plastered across your face. Philadelphia can become a pretty dreary city as temperatures begin to approach freezing, but all hope is not yet lost. It is possible to look great on your way to class while still feeling as comfortable as you did sipping hot chocolate on your couch.

I found this Fashionista showing off a great new fashion trend this upcoming winter, oversized sweaters! I have to admit it, these tops have it all. Comfort, warmth, and of course, a serious ferocity factor. Believe me, people will literally fear your incredible fashion sense the second that you take to the streets wearing one of these babies. And what’s better, they are sold at many nearby retailers, including H & M, Knit Wit, and Garage. Oversized sweaters are best when paired with leggings and boots, just as this Fashionista has done. Scarves or long necklaces can also add a little bit of flare to a solid colored sweater, giving it just the perfect amount of your own unique personality and style.

Didn’t I tell you that you could look adorable and comfortable all at the same time?
 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Breaking Down Fashion Stereotypes

Let’s play a little game. Clear your head and think about the first image that pops into your mind when I say the word, beret. What about buttoned down shirt? Gloves with cut off fingers? Now let me guess what you are thinking. When you read about berets all that you can picture are burnt out, cigarette smoking artists in Parisian coffee houses, reading poetry and never smiling. When you think about button down shirts all that you can see are boring businessmen in suits, jackets, and ties. And lastly, the idea of gloves with cut off fingers brings to mind nothing but hobos in Hollywood movies. Well, I am here to tell you that all of your fashion prejudgement is false. Girls can wear button downs too!

I found this Fashionista beating the cold weather blues and breaking down fashion stereotypes with an adorable outfit. In the picture she is wearing a button down blouse, cut for a woman’s figure, and a wool knit beret to cover her ears from the wind. To keep her hands warm and fashionable, she is wearing mittens that can be folded down when indoors, revealing cut-off-finger-gloves. To get her look, American Eagle sells both berets and convertible gloves at reasonable prices.

Also, H&M sells tons of button down shirts in various colors and styles, so you are bound to find one that fits your unique personality and preference. The name of the game for this week is breaking down fashion stereotypes and exploring the world around you for new and exciting trends. What was tired and old yesterday might be new and exciting today, so always be on the lookout for emerging styles!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: High Waisted Dresses

Okay ladies, let’s be honest about ourselves for a moment. There are few greater pleasures in life than finding the perfect dress. And I mean the literal perfect dress. The dress that you fell in love with from the moment that you saw it in the store (preferably on the sale rack). The dress that has only grown better in age. The dress that makes you look hotter than Angelina Jolie or Scarlett Johansson or whichever celebrity People is calling the sexiest these days. Admit it ladies, all that a girl wants in life is to find “the one.” “The one” dress that is.

I caught this Fashionista on a beautiful autumn day, smiling from ear to ear in her very own perfect dress. It is high waisted and deep purple, a style and color that compliment her body type very well. That is the name of the game. Finding dresses that fit you. And who knows, high waisted dresses might just be what you have been waiting for all of these years. They are generally very flattering because they make your mid section look smaller and your legs look longer. Who doesn’t want that?! Dresses similar to the one that this fashionista is wearing can be found at Anthropologie and Shabby Apple.

My advice for the week is to run into Center City, pick one up, and spend the rest of the day in pure bliss. Dresses are a girls' best friend.  

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Accent Colors

The colder weather and shorter days are now officially upon us, so it is time to break out the dark blues, purples, and blacks right? Wrong! Just because the leaves are dead doesn’t mean that color is too! Fall is the perfect time to play with accent colors, wearing a predominately neutral colored outfit and then pairing it with a fun and exciting piece. Just imagine how many heads you could turn rocking a bright yellow jacket in a sea of dull black.

This Fashionista hit the accent color look on the nose. She is wearing high waisted black shorts (which are always a win) and a tucked in white shirt. So far, pretty boring right? Well, she then takes it to the next level by choosing a white shirt with a green halter top and completes the look by covering up with a yellow sweater. To get a similar look for a super cheap price, try Target for a wide variety of cardigans, many for under twenty dollars! What more could a girl want?! And if you are in the mood to splurge a little and treat yourself to a beautiful wool cardigan, J.Crew sells one in an eye popping deep shale color. By turning up the volume on your fall looks with a few splashes of color, there is no way that can you can go wrong. Just look as this week’s fashionista, can you say gorgeous?


 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Statement Jewelry

Hello again my Fashionista darlings! Do you ever get tired of wearing the same old outfit over and over again? Well, a great way to break free of the old routine is by sprucing up some old outfits with beautiful new accessories! May they be jewelry, purses, shoes, sunglasses, jackets, or hats, there is no doubt about it, accessories can instantly improve your look. But please, do not even think about trying to walk out of your dorm wearing every cute necklace that you own. I am here to warn you, you will most definitely look like a clown. Sometimes, less is more with accessories.

For example, I caught today's Fashionista owning her accessories. She definitely understands the boundaries of making a statement with one piece. She is wearing a vintage off-the-shoulder Beatles tee, ripped jeans, and a pair of flip flops. While all of these pieces are cute, what really makes her outfit pop is her bottle cap necklace. It is large enough to make people notice and is an incredibly unique piece. To find your own unique piece of statement jewelry, Etsy.com is a great place to shop. All of their items are one of a kind and homemade, in other words, they are compliment magnets. And who doesn’t want a compliment every once and a while?

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Corset Dresses

Now that fall is officially under way it is time to make the big transition from loose and flowing summer dresses to some serious autumn flare! Lucky for us, the weather in Philadelphia is still warm enough to show off those sexy legs that you work so hard in the gym to perfect. This can only mean one thing, it’s fall dress time! Look for darker colors and thicker fabrics in order to truly embrace the new season.
Of course, just because you need to cover up a little more than you did all July by the beach doesn’t mean that you still can’t show off your gorgeous body.

I found today's Fashionista wearing a corset dress that both flatters her and suites the season well. Corset dresses are perfect for fall because they allow the outfit to have serious style and design without being plastered with a summer flower pattern. Plus, when there is a little dip in the weather, they can easily be paired with a light jacket. To get this look, Victoria’s Secret and Anthropology both carry corset dresses that accentuate your fabulous female curves. As you can see in the picture, flats work well with the corset dress and lucky for you I found the most adorable pair at DSW.

So, get out there, show off your smoking bod’ and embrace the fall season!